Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 18, 1995                   TAG: 9506200040
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

HOW THEY VOTED

The Senate on Wednesday approved by an 84-16 vote an amendment to a telecommunications bill that would ban pornographic material on the Internet. Fines of up to $100,000 and prison terms of up to two years would be imposed on people who distribute obscene material through online networks. Proponents of the amendment argued that penalties are needed to protect children from smut. Opponents countered that the amendment would infringe on civil liberties. A ``yes'' vote favors outlawing lewd communications.

Sen. Charles Robb, Democrat... N

Sen. John Warner, Republican...Y

Telecommunications

The Senate on Thursday approved 81-18 a telecommunications bill that would deregulate the cable television, telephone and computer industries. The bill would allow the seven regional ``Baby Bell'' telephone companies, created after the breakup of AT&T, to enter the cable industry. Supporters of the legislation said removing outdated regulations would pave the way for more cost-effective and innovative communications services. Opponents argued that deregulation would hurt consumers by encouraging monopolies and higher rates. A ``yes'' vote favors deregulating the telecommunications industries.

Robb... Y

Warner...Y

House

B-2 bomber

The House on Tuesday rejected by a 203-219 margin an amendment to the defense authorization bill that would have eliminated $553 million in funding for the B-2 stealth bomber program. Proponents of the measure said money for the bombers should be spent elsewhere, and noted that the Pentagon did not even request the planes. Opponents said the extra bombers are needed for national security. A ``yes'' vote favors eliminating funding for the B-2 program.

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Abingdon) Did not vote

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Roanoke) Y

Rep. L.F. Payne (D-Nelson County) Y

Missiles

The House on Wednesday rejected by a 185-242 margin an amendment to the defense authorization bill stating that increased funding for anti-missile devices would not violate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The outcome was an implicit endorsement of increased spending for anti-missile weaponry. Proponents stressed the need to uphold the treaty even as anti-missile funding increases. Opponents said national security is the top priority and that the ABM treaty is irrelevant. A ``yes'' vote opposes increased spending on the anti-missile weapons.

Boucher Y

Goodlatte N

Payne Y

Defense authorization

The House on Thursday approved by a 300-126 margin a $267.3 billion defense authorization bill. The bill provides $9.7 billion more than the Clinton administration requested. Proponents said the bill would help ensure a strong national defense in the post-Cold War era. Opponents countered that the funding was excessive and should be spent on nondefense domestic programs. A ``yes'' vote favors the defense authorization package.

Boucher Y

Goodlatte Y

Payne Y